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July 14, 2011 Minutes The Northampton Planning Board Minutes of Meeting July 14, 2011 City of Northampton Council Chambers, 220 Main St., Northampton, MA Members Present: Time  Chair, Stephen Gilson  Vice Chair, Jennifer Dieringer Francis “Frandy” Johnson  Marilyn Richards Katharine Baker  Mark Sullivan  Debin Bruce, Associate Member Andrew Weir, Associate Member Staff:  Planning Director, Wayne Feiden  Senior Planner, Carolyn Misch 7:00 PM Stephen Gilson opened request by Jonathan Stevens & Cheryl Maffie for special permit for an addition that is less than 30’ high and review by Central Business Architecture for 62 State St (Hungry Ghost Bakery), Northampton Map ID 31B-254. Aelan Tierney, Rick Klein, Bruce Kriviskey and Barry Steeves sitting for CBAC. Cheryl Maffie described changes proposed. She noted that the changes were precipitated by interest in more fuel efficient oven and to serve customers. Existing sf is 670 square feet and they are planning 25’ expansion to the side. Stephen Gilson asked if applicant desires 2 approvals? Applicant, said yes. Bruce Kriviskey noted that there is not enough information in plans for CBAC to approve. Aelan Tierney agreed that the Board couldn’t approve 2 plans. She noted that the character of the front of the building is lost with the proposed addition to the front. If the addition were on the side, then the brick façade and commercial look could be maintained. She suggested stepping back the addition to maintain existing form so that it doesn’t overwhelm existing form. Aelan Tierney asked about roof form and incorporating a cornice detail on roof trim and encouraged the applicant to consider brick instead of stucco to make it consistent. Barry suggested visual break to flat roof. Staff clarified that special permit from the Planning Board could either be for the front proposal or the side. Marilyn Richards asked about handicap parking instead of fully restricted parking. Debin Bruce noted that it makes sense to allow the single story addition with the benefit of a green roof . No public comment. The Board discussed further the issue of handicap parking requirements and site. Upon motion by Barry Steeves and second by Aelan Tierney, the CBAC voted unanimously to continue to 7/26 at 7 PM in council chambers. Upon motion by Jennifer Dieringer and second by Mark Sullivan, Planning Board moved unanimously to close the hearing. Upon motion by Jennifer Dieringer and second by Marilyn Richards, the board voted unanimously approved special permit as presented. 7:45 PM Stephen Gilson opened discussion for Wayne Feiden to address Zoning Map Changes See presentation. Stephen Gilson clarified that these ordinances are not ready, it is just discussion of whether Board should authorize staff to move forward on these options. Consensus is that staff should move forward. Wayne Feiden suggested October may be time frame. Wayne Feiden distributed memo from PVPC on preliminary shared streets standards. 8:20P.M. ZRC-presentation of final report to the Board by Dillon Sussman and Danielle McKahn. They described highlights. There was discussion of presentation, and assumptions. 9:10 P.M Stephen Gilson opened discussion with Kollmorgen for review of plantings and replacement screening on southwest corner of the facility. Francesca Maltese presented issue relative to planting adding that they would propose 8 additional trees at 10’ to replace 5’ trees. Move 5’ trees out and fill in. Mark Sullivan asked if there would be 8 additional trees from original. Stephen Gilson asked about planting along 66. Maltese noted that there are punch list items. Barbara Weene, 18 Laurel Street raised concern about tree height not being satisfactory. Harriet Diamond, Grove St, suggested that the species is not appropriate. There was discussion on whether it is appropriate to have 22 5’ trees and 8 10’ trees instead of 22 10’ trees. Upon motion by Bruce and second by Mark Sullivan the Board closed the discussion. The Board denied the request for tree substitution and required applicant to replant the approved size. 9:45 P.M. Stephen Gilson opened the request by Agora Homes & Development LLC for Site Plan approval for four house lots at Laurel and Grove St, Northampton, Map ID 38A-126. Toby Millman presented project, provided rationale for having individual curb cuts. Jennifer Dieringer asked about other measures to address impacts. Millman stated that they did not review details for alternatives. Mark Sullivan stated that he was not concerned about curb cuts and asked how a condition would work offsite. Debin Bruce stated she was not concerned with driveway cuts. Weene noted that traffic calming efforts installed are a great benefit to the city. Stephen Gilson asked for width of curb cut. Jeff Squire stated they would be about 10’ curb wide. Weene stated support for project. Upon motion by Jennifer Dieringer and second by Marilyn Richards, the board voted to close the hearing. Upon motion by Debin and second by Jennifer Dieringer, the board approved the site plan as presented with 10’ curb cut.